Nancy Progar the coordinator for VacationHomes forCharity.org sat down with Ms. Deborah Boyd, Executive Director of First Candle, an advocacy and support organization focusing on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and related causes including stillbirths. Every year in the United States, 26,000 families are devastated by stillbirth. In addition, there are 4,500 sudden, unexpected infant deaths (SUID), including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The following is a Q&A between Ms. Progar and Ms. Boyd providing insights concerning First Candle and how a donation of a vacation home stay would enhance fundraising:
NP: What is First Candle all about?
DB: Our focus is the battle again Stillbirth and Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID). Our motto is “helping babies survive and thrive”. Proceeds from our fundraisers support our ongoing mission: to ensure that all babies celebrate their first birthday and many happy birthdays beyond.
NP: What is your next upcoming fundraiser and when?
DP: We actually have two great events in the works. First one is an auction at the ABC Kid’s Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Monday Sept 14th (the ABC Kids Expo runs Sept 13th to the 16th). The ABC Expo is the premier juvenile products tradeshow in the country, with business owners from all over the country (www.theabcshow.com).
The second event is the Charity Gala 2009 in New York City on October 22nd (formerly known as the Windflower Ball). We are very excited about this one being in New York as it will be held at Tribeca Rooftop with many supportive New Yorkers attending.
NP: What are your expectations for the Vegas event?
DP: With more than 800 exhibitors in over one million sq feet of exhibit space, it is now one of the fastest growing tradeshows in the nation. I can check numbers but I think they run close to 10,000 people through the show. This is our second time running a charity auction at this event and we’d love to include a vacation home from The Society. What an ideal opportunity for both of our organizations. Our board members are very philanthropic and often bid on these items as well, so we anticipate competitive bidding and strong profits this year, just like we had last year with your Vail property.
NP: What type home(s) do you think will sell well this year at both events?
DB: I think for Vegas, we have lots of options including international vacations. As mentioned, we have lots of traffic coming through the silent auction and bids will come in steadily. As for our NY Gala, I would love to see ski vacations, family vacations probably best in the northeast. This crowd is younger, some with families and some without, so perhaps we can sell more than one?
NP: If you sell more than one property, we will be sure to procure additional options and opportunities to make your event and fund-raising a success beyond your expectations.
Of note, Charity Navigator America’s premier independent charity evaluator has ranked First Candle 4-Stars.